India is well known for its temples and pilgrimage centers in all over the world. The temples of Khajuraho are deservedly one of India's major attractions. Khajuraho was once a great Chandela capital but now it is now a small village. Khajuraho has several unique and ancient temples which are famous for their sculptures. You won't find finer temple art anywhere in the world. Temples of Khajuraho were built by the Chandela dynasty, which survived for five centuries before falling to the Mughal onslaught. These temples are known for their unmatched beauty and size. But there are several questions about these temples that why and how they were built here. These beautiful temples of Khajuraho are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. Around the temples are bands of exceedingly artistic stonework showing many aspects of Indian life. These sculptures show the pictures of Gods and Goddesses, warriors and musicians, real and mythological animals. But two elements appear over and over again and in greater detail than anything else - women and sex. These stone figures are of naked and posing apsaras (heavenly nymphs) which are appearing on every temple. In between are the mithuna (carved erotic figures), running through a whole Kamasutra of positions and possibilities.
These temples are divided into three groups – Western, Eastern and Southern.
Entertainment in and around Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Dance Festival – The most famous event in Khajuraho temples is its unique dance festival. This dance festival shows the true spirit of Khajuraho. This dance festival of Khajuraho is held here in March, every year. In this dance festival several ace artistes of various dances participate and perform.
Mahashivaratri – This is the festival which is celebrated in the month of Feb or March according to the Hindu calendar. A huge number of devotees come to the Matangeshwar temple and offer their prayers.
Sound and Light Shows - Khajuraho offers the sound and light show at the western temples every night at 7pm for its visitors which are excellent to watch. The show documents the history and culture of Khajuraho over the past 4000 years. Kandariya Art and Culture is a private set-up with cultural dance shows from India's different states every night. These performances are performed in a comfortable indoor theatre. This is a one hour show which starts at 7pm and 8.30pm.